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Do you want to keep your ice cream cold on a hot day? Need your medicine safe during a long trip? You need a refrigerated truck. Let’s learn how they work!
What Is a Refrigerated Truck?
A refrigerated truck, or reefer truck, is like a big moving fridge on wheels. It keeps food, medicine, and other things cool and fresh. These trucks are heroes in the cold chain. The cold chain is how your ice cream, milk, or medicine stays cold from the factory to your home.
How Does a Truck Keep Things Cold?
These trucks use a transport refrigeration system. It works a lot like the air conditioner in your car or your home fridge. Here’s the simple way it works:
- There is a compressor. It pumps a cold special liquid called refrigerant.
- The refrigerant goes through the condenser coil. Here, it lets out heat and cools down.
- Next, it moves to the expansion valve. This makes the refrigerant very, very cold.
- Then, the refrigerant goes through the evaporator coil. Here, it takes in the heat from the inside of the trailer.
- Warm air leaves, cold air stays, and your cargo stays just right!
But all these parts need power. So, where does this power come from?
How Do Reefers Get Power? Let’s See Their Power Sources
Reefer trucks need energy to keep running. There are many ways to give these systems power:
- Self-Powered (Independent Diesel Engine)
- Uses a small diesel engine only for the fridge.
- Best for big trailers and long trips.
- Pros: Works anywhere, strong, easy to refuel.
- Cons: It uses fuel, makes noise, and makes smoke.
- Vehicle-Powered (Direct Drive)
- Uses the truck’s engine to make the fridge work.
- Best for smaller trucks and city trips.
- Pros: Lighter, fewer moving parts.
- Cons: Only works when the truck is on.
- Electric Standby
- The reefer can plug into the wall for electric power when parked.
- Useful at docks or warehouses.
- Pros: Quiet, no smoke when using electric, saves fuel.
- Cons: Needs special plugs, doesn't work while driving.
- Battery-Electric
- Uses a big battery pack.
- Charged from a wall plug or when the truck slows down (regenerative braking).
- Great for cities or places with many charging stations.
- Pros: No noise, no smoke, saves money in the long run.
- Cons: The battery is heavy and costs more, needs places to charge.
- Hybrid
- Uses both a diesel engine and a battery.
- Can switch between them as needed.
- Pros: Saves fuel, makes less smoke, flexible.
- Cons: More parts, may cost more at first.
- Emerging Power (Future Ways)
- Solar Power: Solar panels can help charge the system.
- Cryogenic: Uses cold liquid, like liquid nitrogen, instead of a fridge motor.
Table: Power Source Comparison
| Power Source | Pros | Cons | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel Engine | Works anywhere, strong | Fuel cost, makes smoke | Long trips, big trailers |
| Direct Drive | Light, less upkeep | Needs engine on, limited | City, small trucks |
| Electric Standby | Quiet, clean | Needs plug, can't drive | Docks, night parking |
| Battery-Electric | Silent, no smoke | Heavy, needs charging | Urban, short trips |
| Hybrid | Flexible, fuel saver | More parts, higher cost | Mixed trips, eco areas |
See How Reefers Save the Day!
Let’s look at some fun facts:
- The global transport refrigeration market was worth about $12 billion in 2022.
- Diesel engine reefers make up 90% of trailers today.
- Using electric standby removes 100% of tailpipe emissions when plugged in!
- Battery reefers are very quiet, which is nice for city deliveries at night.
- By using hybrid power, fuel use can drop by 30%.
- Rules in places like California (CARB TRU regulations) mean more electric reefers are coming.
- Batteries can be heavy, so trucks may carry 500-1,500 less pounds of cargo.
How Smart are Today’s Reefers?
Today, reefer units have brains. They use temperature control systems, data loggers, and even GPS tracking to keep food cold and send you updates. Some use remote monitoring over the internet. They can even predict when they need a fix (predictive maintenance).
Picking the Best Power for Your Needs
Let’s say you have a job to do. How do you pick the best refrigerator power?
- Long Haul? Use diesel, hybrid, or plug in at stops.
- Short City Trips? Try battery-electric or direct drive.
- Carrying Frozen Food? Get the biggest, coldest unit.
- Worried About Rules? Electric or hybrid helps meet emissions rules.
- Need To Save Money? Compare fuel, battery, and maintenance costs.
CLW GROUP Is Here To Help!
We are CLW GROUP, a leader in truck making. Want a custom reefer? We build trucks of all sizes with any power you want: diesel, electric, hybrid, you name it!
Our team gives you:
- Customized production for your exact need
- Fast delivery
- Great after-sales service
- Smart technical support
You can even check out our other trucks like our water tank trucks, cement mix trucks, or see our special trucks factory page for more information.
Want to move cars? See our page on auto transport solutions. Need strong trucks for heavy hauls? Check out our aluminum flatbed trucks and semi tow trucks with all the best power options.
Want to learn more? See our special trucks factory, or get details on eco-friendly water tank truck, check out cement mix truck, and our reliable auto transport trucks.
Wrap Up
Reefer trucks keep your food fresh and your medicine safe. They use cool science: compressors, condensers, and batteries or engines. At CLW GROUP, we know every cargo needs the right truck and the best transport refrigeration system. You can trust us to help you pick the best power source, keep your goods cold, and run your business smoothly.
Ready for cold, smart, and strong? Let CLW GROUP build your next great refrigerated truck!
References
- California Air Resources Board, CARB TRU regulations.
- Market research, Global Transport Refrigeration Market.
- Major brands: Thermo King, Carrier Transicold.
- Industry news, company press releases, and technical standards.
